Infrared Avalanche Photodiode Detectors

This study presents on the design, fabrication and characteristics of HgCdTe mid-wave infrared avalanche photodiode (MWIR APD). The gain of 800 at - 8 V bias is measured in n+-ν-p+ detector array with pitch size of 30 μm. The gain independent bandwidth of 6 MHz is achieved in the fabricated device. This paper also covers the status of HgCdTe and III-V material based IR-APD technology. These APDs having high internal gain and bandwidth are suitable for the detection of attenuated optical signals such as in the battle field conditions/long range imaging in defence and space applications. It provides a combined solution for both detection and amplification if the detector receives a very weak optical signal. HgCdTe based APDs provide high avalanche gain with low excess noise, high quantum efficiency, low dark current and fast response time

Optical IRS Aided B5G V2V Solution for Road Safety Applications

In this work, we showcase the potential benefit of employing optical intelligent reflecting surfaces (O-IRS) for improving safety message dissemination for vehicular visible light communication (V-VLC) systems particularly at the road intersections. Buildings, roadside structures, signboards, and other impediments commonly hinder line-of-sight (LoS) communication between vehicles at urban crossroads scenarios. We propose using O-IRS at road intersection to improve the communication link's reliability. We compare the performance of proposed scheme with baseline scenarios such as optical relay and non line-of-sight (NLOS) road reflection (NRR) aided vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. From obtained results, it has been shown that O-IRS offers considerable performance enhancement as compared to the baseline scenarios. In particular, O-IRS can achieve longer communication range as compared to the optical relay aided V-VLC systems while ensuring desired quality-of-service (QoS).Comment: This work has been accepted for presentation at IEEE ANTS 202

KAP Study on Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) Among Married women (15-44 years) in rural area of Etawah, Uttar Pradesh

Background: High level of gynaecological morbidity, especially RTIs/STIs, if untreated, it can lead to adverse health outcomes such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy and increases vulnerability to transmission of HIV/AIDS. Sexually transmitted infections are worldwide major concern in developing countries.  The major aspect of the control and prevention of disease and health protection is health education. Since knowledge plays an important role in people attitude and behaviours. Aims & Objectives: To assess the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices about RTIs among married women age 15-44 years in rural Etawah.   Material Methods:  A cross sectional study was done on 370 married women of rural area of Etawah district. Multi stage random sampling was adopted. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, Attitudes and Practices about RTIs among married women. Chi -square test used for analysis. Data collection on morbidity pattern among married women was based only on symptoms. Result: In the present study 42.16 % were aware about RTIs. As per their knowledge about symptoms, mode of transmission and source of infections 35.41 % women told vaginal discharge as commonest symptom of RTIs, 40.0% women perceived sexual contact with multiple partner as the main route of transmission and 29.46% married women gained knowledge about RTIs from health worker followed by doctors 28.10%. Conclusion: Only 42.16% had knowledge of RTIs and only 61 infected women sought treatment out of 173 symptomatic women. There is need to educate women on preventive strategies as women are less likely to seek treatment for symptomatic infections because of stigma associated with RTIs

Appearance of superconductivity in new BiS2 based layered LaO0.5F0.5BiS2

We report here synthesis, structural, DC magnetization, and transport studies of new BiS2 based layered LaO0.5F0.5BiS2 superconductor [1]. The sample was synthesized by conventional solid state route via vacuum encapsulation technique at 800oC for 12h. LaO0.5F0.5BiS2 crystallizes in tetragonal P4/nmm space group with lattice parameters a = 4.0703(5){\AA}, c = 13.3902(4){\AA}. Bulk superconductivity is confirmed with superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 2.7K by DC magnetization measurements. The Isothermal magnetization (MH) measurements showed closed loops with clear signatures of flux pinning and irreversible behavior. The resistivity measurements confirmed an onset Tc of 2.7K. The magneto-transport {\rho}(T,H) measurements showed a resistive broadening and decrease in Tc ({\rho}=0) to lower temperatures with increasing magnetic field. The magnetic phase diagram involving upper critical and irreversibility fields as a function of temperature has been ascertained. Our DC magnetization and electrical transport measurements confirm the appearance of bulk superconductivity in LaO0.5F0.5BiS2 superconductor.Comment: 11 pages figures + Text: First observation/approval of LaO/FBiS2 superconductivity: comments/suggestions: [email protected]

Presentation of an ingested foreign body as a vesical calculus: a common condition, but uncommon presentation

Vesical calculus is a common entity in children of developing countries. Foreign body ingestion is a common occurrence in the pediatric population. An ingested foreign body eroding into the urinary bladder and leading to the formation of a vesical calculus is an extremely rare condition. We encountered a 14-year-old girl who presented with a vesical calculus and a history of ingestion of a nut bolt 7 years earlier. After cystolithotomy and retrieval of the calculus, we noticed that the nut bolt formed its core. As it is an extremely uncommon presentation, it is being reported here, with a brief review of the literature.Keywords: foreign body calculus, foreign body ingestion, vesical calculus, vesicointestinal fistul

Household symptomatic contact screening of sputum smear positive tuberculosis patients at the DOTS clinic of SGT hospital, Gurugram

Background:  Contact screening was conducted under ICMR (REFERENCE ID: 2019-07811) programme in villages near SGT hospital, Gurugram.  Objective:  To evaluate risk factors, extent of spread of tuberculosis among household contacts of tuberculosis cases and to create awareness. Methods and Material: Address of TB cases were taken from RNTCP register at DOTS clinic, SGT medical college. Then all household contacts of positive cases were screened, counselled and advised to approach ASHA Workers if such symptoms appear. Data was analysed using appropriate statistical methods. Results:21 Index cases along with 94 household contacts were screened. 61.90% families still use chullahs for cooking. 76.1% families have overcrowding. 3) 61.90% families had inadequate ventilation 4) 19.05%families were aware about the spread of this disease. 5)Only 23.80% families practised adequate sanitation methods and precautions6) 42.8% Index cases had a history of smoking. 7) 44.4% 4 continue to smoke with infection. The association of adequate sanitation with presence of awareness was found to be statistically significant. (p-value<0.05). Other factors were not significantly associated with level of awareness regarding prevention of tuberculosis spread among study participants. Conclusions: Contact screening is an effective tool and it gives the real-time picture of TB in India

Humans from Wuchereria bancrofti endemic area elicit substantial immune response to proteins of the filarial parasite Brugia malayi and its endosymbiont Wolbachia

Detailed information of the individuals of bancroftian filariasis endemic area participated in the current study. (PDF 54 kb